Bleeding man clue in moor attack

The attacker knocked his victim unconscious with the knife handle

Police investigating a "brutal assault" on a woman on Ilkley Moor want to trace a man seen bleeding from his cheek as he walked away from the beauty spot.

A 52-year-old woman was knocked to the ground and repeatedly punched in the face by a knife-wielding attacker as she walked her dog on Monday afternoon.

During a struggle, the blade broke away from the handle which was used to knock her unconscious.

Police said the man seen leaving the moor bore similarities to her attacker.

The alarm was raised after a member of the public heard the woman's screams but by the time she regained consciousness her assailant had gone.

The woman suffered extensive cuts and bruising during her ordeal and her clothing was disturbed, but police said it was still not clear whether she had been sexually assaulted.

Ilkley Moor is a popular spot with dog walkers, cyclists and runners

Det Supt Paul Kennedy said the woman had been very brave and described her attacker as a violent and dangerous individual.

"She was knocked unconscious but we do not know what happened to her after that," he said.

"A medical examination has taken place that proved inconclusive but tests are being carried out to find out exactly what did happen.

"Intensive investigations are ongoing to catch the man responsible for this brutal assault."

The man is described as white, about 40 years old, 5ft 9in tall, toned and athletic, with short brown hair.

He had a skin coloured, round mole just above his lip and was scruffy, wearing a dark fleece jacket and jeans.